our miguel marquez was in seattle at the moment when the new law became official. >> three, two, one! [ cheering snchl [. >> reporter: the moment recreational pot, mying less than an ounce, no longer illegal in washington state. >> it's amazing. i'm not a criminal anymore. i can't go to jail for small amounts of marijuana. you know? i'm free to be free. >> reporter: several dozen hard core smokers showed up here to the base of the space needle, a symbol of stet and of the state to light up at the stroke of midnight, and while the new law does not allow smoking in public places, seattle police and police departments across the state are turning a blind eye tonight allowing celebrations to light up. >> this is what you assume the stores will look like or something along these lines? >> yeah. our stores are going to have the feel of a fine cigar shop. >> reporter: jayman was a high profile executive at microsoft now preparing to open as many as two dozen highend marijuana shops in washington and colorado. yesterday he would be called a drug dealer. today an entrepreneur. >> our target ma